Title: The influence process of electronic word-of-mouth on traveller's visit intention: a conceptual framework

Authors: Ping Wang

Addresses: Information Systems Science, Turku School of Economics, University of Turku, 20500, Turku, Finland

Abstract: With the pervasion of information and communication technology (ICT), the valence of user-generated content is an increasing important antecedent affecting customer's decision-making. The influence is especially significant in the tourism and hospitality industry due to its nature of intangible and experiential. In order to better understand the influence process of electronic word-of-mouth on travel destination decision-making, an integrated model based on the two well-tested model, elaboration likelihood model (ELM) and theory of planned behaviour (TPB), is proposed in the paper. The moderate role of cultural dimension of uncertainty avoidance is taken into account in the model. Altogether nine hypotheses are given based on the research model. Implications for theory and practice of this research are discussed, and limitations and future research are also given.

Keywords: tourist decision making; electronic WOM; word-of-mouth; eWOM; elaboration likelihood model; ELM; theory of planned behaviour; TPB; online information sources; visit intentions; tourism industry; tourist destinations; cultural dimensions; uncertainty avoidance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNVO.2016.075130

International Journal of Networking and Virtual Organisations, 2016 Vol.16 No.1, pp.25 - 37

Received: 21 Apr 2015
Accepted: 21 Sep 2015
Published online: 04 Mar 2016 *

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